Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, resulting in a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel out of the box. On the other hand, the Roselle impresses with its smooth and wispy sensation, along with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature while typing. While the Keygeek Raw is ideal for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches and enjoy a mild, neutral feel, the Roselle appeals to those who value a bassy, frictionless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and HC Studio Roselle switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, while the Roselle has a POM top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw is exclusive to this switch and offers a different sound profile compared to the POM top housing of the Roselle. The Nylon & UPE blend may provide a different feel and sound when pressing down on the switch compared to the Roselle's POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound.
The bottom housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and HC Studio Roselle switches also play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend bottom housing, while the Roselle features a POM bottom housing. Just like with the top housing, the qualities of these materials will affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw may offer a distinct tactile feedback and sound when pressing down on a key, whereas the POM bottom housing of the Roselle could contribute to a deeper and more muted sound profile.
Although the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and HC Studio Roselle switches differ, they both aim to provide a unique sound experience for users. The exclusive blends used in the Keygeek Raw switches may offer a different sound and feel compared to the POM housing of the Roselle switches. However, both switches are designed to create a pleasing and distinctive sound profile, with the top housing influencing the sound as the key is released and the bottom housing affecting the sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that they both have medium actuation forces. The Keygeek Raw has none grams of actuation force, while the Roselle has 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw is heavier at 57.5 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams. This means that the Keygeek Raw offers a slightly heavier typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Roselle, as it has a lighter actuation force. However, both switches fall within the medium weight range and would provide similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference for a heavier or lighter key press.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Roselle switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the Keygeek Raw. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular for faster response times, particularly among gamers. The difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant to most users, but those looking for a slightly deeper keypress may prefer the Roselle switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so choosing between them will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound signature, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The Roselle's sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a slightly textured feel right out of the box, providing a mild and subtle resistance that is still light and approachable. This switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, offering a comfortable typing experience for most users. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch provides a frictionless typing experience, with an extremely smooth and effortless key press that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction. Similar to the Keygeek Raw, the Roselle also falls within the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw and HC Studio Roselle switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw switch provides a neutral sound profile and a slightly textured feel, making it a versatile option for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound signature with a frictionless feel, ideal for users seeking a smoother and more luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience you seek to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, you should take into account the differences in bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy switches with a unique material blend for a creamy yet lightweight feel, then the Keygeek Raw may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value switches that deliver an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the HC Studio Roselle linear switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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